Basquiat.

chapter fourteen.

•••

Masika

It was nightfall, and I woke to the sound of our plane hitting the pavement.

I looked outside the tiny plane window to be met with miniature lights and individuals guiding the plane toward the airport.

"We're finally here," I whispered to myself.

I looked to my right to find August fast asleep, unphased by the shaking and noise.

I shook him gently.

"August, we've made it."

"Five mo' minutes," he mumbled under his breath.

I sighed.

"You're in Africa, love."

He nearly jumped out of his seat in utter shock.

"You're kidding, we really here?"

"Yes, sir," I smiled.

He grinned and grasped my hand tightly.

"I bet you're ecstatic to be back in your own country."

"Without a doubt."

"Thank you all for a wonderful flight, I hope you enjoyed your trip with Delta Airlines. You may begin departure momentarily," The intercom buzzed.

August took no time in getting our bags down from the storage.

We exited the plane to be met with smiling brown faces. They each greeted us with friendly smiles and handshakes.

"You know dem?" August whispered sheepishly.

"No, They're just being nice."

"I mess with it, niggas ain't get that much love back in the U.S," he chuckled to himself.

"Nigerians are very courteous people. Especially if they know you've come from America."

He nodded.

We proceeded toward the airport aggressively in attempt to flee the mosquito's that were biting us.

"Damn, these shits bitin' like vampires outchea"

I chuckled.

Such an American.

After retrieving our luggage from the airport, we waved for a taxi and headed to our hotel.

"Madam, where shall I carry you and your friend?" The taxi driver whispered.

The driver kept eyeing August through his mirror. He seemed terrified of August due to his tattoos and overall appearance.

Tattoos weren't really considered the norm in Nigeria.

"Lagos, please. Take us to the hotel there, abi?"

"Eh-heh," he mumbled.

"Aye, what does abi mean?" August asked.

"It's a way of confirming something with someone. Like, 'alright' or 'okay' to see that they understand."

He stroked his chin hair.